Turn off all that is not true to your nature,Feel your purification fires raging within.And after the fire which consumed part of you,You will see your everything.You will see the real essence of Self.Your soul essence can never be consumed.

-- Alan Seale

I wasn't brave enough to just walk away. I didn't have the guts to pull the trigger. And so, it's a slow death -- a deconstruction, piece-by-piece. Thankfully, I haven't suffered much. Now, finally ...

... it's a good time to die!

It was a good life: a healthy body, a strong mind, a balanced upbringing, and an amazing education in and out of the classroom. It needed purpose and to make a contribution -- countless experiments through the many nights. I had lots of fun -- that was the best part: hiking, skiing the Cascades, Sierras, and Rockies; flying small airplanes up and down the western US and Canada; thrashing about the country as an entitled entrepreneur, racing around in finely engineered sports cars. I met a lot of good women and a few great men. I raised a lot of hell! I offended more than my share -- and endeared myself to many others. I loved and was loved. All-in-all, there's not much to complain about. It could now be a time to think about getting comfortable -- and, growing old.

Instead, it burns! We should reach zero soon, but I can't be sure. I've forgotten what it looks like. Will I recognize it? This is pretty scary stuff - but, with it, intense anticipation! What was left beneath all these worn layers? What will survive the fire?